FR2776098A1 - Transfer of data to paper or cardboard supports such as tickets - Google Patents

Abstract

The ticket machine has a transport mechanism to move a ticket along a processing path (100), with writing and encoding devices along the path. The printed tickets are delivered into a collector (16). The entry (I) to the processing path is higher than the exit (O) from the processing path, which is a straight path with a downward slope from entry to exit.

Description

"DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING DATA ON MEDIA

  PAPER OR CARDBOARD SUCH AS TICKETS "

  The present invention relates to a device for transferring data on paper or cardboard supports such as tickets or coupons. In the field of ticketing, in particular for air and rail transport, devices for transferring data on paper or cardboard supports have long been used. These data transfer devices generally include printing devices

  and magnetic recording devices.

  Numerous structures are known for data transfer devices on paper or cardboard supports, which have in common that they include a support processing path from a store or a support storage area towards a print outlet to collect the printed media. On this processing path are placed members for detecting presence, training, positioning, printing.

and magnetic recording.

  However, it has been observed that the current transfer devices are not suitable for equipping low-speed printing sites, in particular because of their relative complexity, difficulties in accessing

  internal in the event of jamming and their obstruction.

  The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a transfer device which is more compact than current devices, while offering easy internal access to resolve any possible

jamming problems.

  This objective is achieved with a device for transferring data on paper or cardboard supports, comprising - means for introducing one or more supports via an input port, -2- - means for driving along a path processing the input port to the output port the media introduced, - means for writing data onto these media, and - means for receiving, via an output port,

  the media on which data has been written.

  According to the invention, the input port is disposed within the transfer device at a height greater than that of the output port, and the support processing path is substantially rectilinear and inclined relative to a horizontal reference plane according to a

  first predetermined angle of inclination.

  Thus, the whole advantage of the device according to the invention lies in the simplicity of the processing path for the printed media and in the great ease of access to the critical passage points of the media. In addition, the relative arrangement of the input and output ports allows a drop of the supports treated in a reception bin, by the simple action of

gravity.

  The transfer device according to the invention is preferably designed so that the treatment path has a length substantially less than the length of the treated supports. This feature helps reduce the risk of jamming and

facilitate access.

  In an advantageous embodiment, the transfer device according to the invention further comprises a removable front structure substantially covering the treatment path and which can be retracted to allow access to the treatment path of the supports. This front structure comprises a thermal printing head, a device for pressurizing the paper or cardboard support on a 3-magnetic encoding head included in the processing path, and control equipment provided in particular

  a keyboard and a display device.

  The receiving means are arranged downstream of the treatment path and inclined relative to a horizontal reference plane at a predetermined angle of inclination substantially less than the angle of inclination of the treatment path. Furthermore, they are at least partially located inside the transfer device, which further contributes to

  improve the compactness of the latter.

  In a main embodiment, the introducer means comprise first means for introducing tickets supplied in folded ribbon into storage means. However, it can also optionally be provided for the introducer means further comprising second means for introducing tickets one by one. Furthermore, the storage means can

  be placed in a secure container.

  Other features and advantages of the invention

  will appear further in the description below. To the

  attached drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples: - Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a transfer device according to

the invention.

  We will now describe an exemplary embodiment of a data transfer device according to

  the invention, with reference to the above figure.

  A transfer device 10 according to the invention comprises a main block 14 comprising all of the drive and transfer members arranged along a treatment path 100 inclined at an angle substantially equal to 45 degrees relative to a horizontal reference plane and a receiver 16 for printed tickets. This main block 14 consists of a base - 4 - comprising a part of the aforementioned members and of a removable front structure 11 which can be lifted by pivoting around an axis 112. The removable front structure 11 comprises on its front face a set of control buttons including for example a keyboard, operating indicators, and a display device, and on its internal face a thermal printing head 1 fixed to this internal face by a flexible connection structure 110. The base 15 comprises drive members 153a, 153b cooperating with pressed members 113a, 113b arranged in the removable front structure 11, a cell 6 for detecting the presence of support, a support positioning cell 5, a head 4 for magnetic encoding, a drive member 30 driving the drive members 153a, 153b and an anvil 2 cooperating with the thermal printing head 1, and an electromagnet 8 actuating a cutting blade or burst located at the lower end of the treatment path 100. The anvil 2 consists of a printing roller driven by the drive member 30. The treatment path 100 ends at its upper end at the port input I of the transfer device and leads in its lower part, to the output port O

  materialized by the lower part of the receiving tank 16.

  The transfer device 10 according to the invention further comprises a rear part 18 comprising a first device 13 for introducing continuously stored paper supports 121 into a storage bin 120 disposed downstream of this first introduction device 13, and optionally, a second device 17 for introducing paper supports treated individually. Each introduction device 13, 17 is provided with a cell for detecting the presence of support 132, 172 and pressing members 133, 173 each actuated via drive wheels 171 by a drive motor 130. rear part 18 can optionally be enclosed by a lockable and secure cover 12. This cover 12 has a hinged cover which makes it possible to load the box of supports or coupons. A hinge 122 allows the cover to be moved backwards, thus providing access to the storage bin which can be constituted by a cardboard box

containing the supports or coupons.

  For the operation of the transfer device 10 according to the invention, the user can control the data transfer, either from a control terminal connected directly to the communication device.

  transfer 10, either through a communication network.

  It may also be necessary to control the transfer device from the control members available on the front face. The user introduces the paper support either in continuous form or individually. The introduction devices 13, 17 detect the presence of a support and drive it into the central block via the input port I. The support, continuous or individually, is then detected by cell 6, is driven by the drive members 113a, 153a, then passes in front of the magnetic head 4. The cell makes it possible to position the start of magnetic encoding on the support. The magnetic strip on the

  medium is then encoded with data transfer.

  The support is then supported by new drive members 113b, i53b, then passes between the print head 1 and the anvil 2. Information is then transferred by printing onto one of the faces of the support. As soon as this support is completely out of the treatment path 100, it is separated from the ribbon of supports introduced continuously under the action of the blade 7 driven by the electromagnet 8 and falls into the receiving tank 16. The user can then have it. In 6 - in the case of a support introduced into the unit, as soon as it leaves the treatment path, it falls naturally

in the receiving tray 16.

  Due to its characteristic compact structure, a transfer device according to the invention can be easily placed on a work surface or a counter, without requiring a large surface area. In addition, its maintenance is facilitated by easy access to the processing path and to the essential mechanical organs. The manufacture of the transfer device according to the invention can use components and organs traditionally used in the field of ticket printers. . In addition, all the usual types and formats of tickets can be processed, in particular

ATB tickets.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope.

of the invention.

- 7 -

Claims (10)

  1. Device (10) for transferring data on supports, comprising: - means (13, 17) for introducing via one input port (I) one or more supports, - means (30, 153a, 153b) to drive along the processing path (100) from the input port to an output port, the media introduced, - means (4; 1, 2) for writing data onto these media, - means (16 ) to receive, via an output port (O), the media on which data has been written, characterized in that the input port (I) is disposed within said transfer device (10) at a higher height to that of the output port (O), and in that the support processing path (100) is substantially rectilinear and inclined relative to a horizontal reference plane at a first angle of predetermined inclination.   2. Transfer device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment path (100) has a length substantially less than the   length of the supports (121) treated.   3. Transfer device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a removable front structure (11) covering the treatment path (100) and which can be retracted to allow access said processing path (100).   4. Transfer device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the removable front structure (11)   includes a print head (1).   8 - 5. Transfer device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the removable front structure (11) further comprises means for controlling said transfer device. 6. Transfer device (10) according to any one   of the preceding claims, characterized in that it   further includes within the processing path (100)   a magnetic encoding head (4).   7. Transfer device (10) according to any one   of the preceding claims, characterized in that the   receiving means (16) are arranged downstream of the treatment path (100) and inclined relative to a horizontal reference plane at a predetermined angle of inclination substantially less than the angle   of the processing path (100).   8. Transfer device (10). according to any one   of the preceding claims, characterized in that the   introducer means (13, 17) comprise first means (13) for introducing tickets or tickets supplied in folded tape (121) into storage means (120).   9. Transfer device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the introducer means (13, 17) further comprise second means (17) for introduce tickets one by one.   10. Transfer device (10) according to one of   claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the means   storage (120) can be arranged within a tray secure (12).